The Montebello vs. Schurr football games have been a fun high school rivalry in the Almont League, which has tilted toward Montebello winning out in recent years.

However, last season, riding the performance of Lance Babb, Schurr took home the league crown for the first time since 2010.

With Babb, last year’s Whittier Daily News Player of the Year, now playing college football at UC Davis, many believed the Spartans might return to the middle of the pack in 2018.

Don’t bet on it, as Montebello and Schurr are again the likely contenders in the Almont League.

Thanks to the arrival of several transfers, the Spartans have set themselves up as the team to beat.

The player who might have the biggest impact for Schurr is Montebello transfer Mykael Loera (5-7, 160). The junior, who led Montebello in rushing yards (966) last season, has acclimated well to the team’s offensive scheme, according to Coach Dave Ramos.

“(Loera) is going to be like a hybrid-type of running back for us,” said Ramos, who was the Whittier Daily News Coach of the Year in 2017. “Not only is he going to be in the backfield, but we’re going to motion him out to be a slot guy for us. He’s going to be a pretty good player for us.”

At quarterback will be Cantwell Sacred Heart transfer Christian Valenzuela (6-1, 200). The senior caught the eye of a lot of observers during the passing league circuit this summer and Ramos said he is pleased with his progress.

“He’s a big kid that has a nice arm,” Ramos said.

On defense, the Spartans took a hit when senior defensive end Isaiah De La Cruz injured his shoulder, which will force him to miss a significant portion of the season. Replacing him will be junior Jalen Williams, a transfer from East L.A.-based Torres High School, who has opened up a few eyes.

The secondary will be led by senior two-way standout Jeremiah Hartfield (5-7, 160).

“We’ve been pleased with his development all summer,” Ramos said.

Down the road at Montebello, Pete Gonzalez will begin his 10th season as coach. Gonzalez will lead one of his youngest teams at Montebello. The Oilers start their season at Garfield High on Aug. 17.

The biggest priority for Gonzalez was finding a replacement for Gabriel Tapia at quarterback.

Tapia’s backup last season, senior Richard Placencia (5-10, 180), will be the signal-caller for the Oilers.

“The thing that we like about Richard is that he can run the ball a little bit,” Gonzalez said. “He works hard but he’s been inconsistent.”

A top target for Montebello will be senior Bryan Martinez (5-11, 160), who accounted for 243 receiving yards last season.

Gonzalez notes that the team’s offensive line will consist of all juniors.

Elijah Martinez (5-11, 150) is considered the team’s best two-way player. The junior will play cornerback and wide receiver.

A look at San Gabriel

If there has been one team that has been the talk of the area this summer, it is San Gabriel.

Second-year coach Kevin Encinas, a Charter Oak graduate, said he has been pleased with the way his team has prepared for the 2018 campaign.

Senior tight end Ray Contreras (6-4, 275) has caught the attention of many.

“He’s a guy with size and has great hands and terrific footwork,” Encinas said. “Defensively, we plan to be creative with him and play him as a defensive end and as a hybrid linebacker. Guys like him don’t come along too often.”

Senior Alan Jimenez (5-8, 160), a converted wide receiver, will be the quarterback for the Matadors.

“He is a team player,” Encinas said. “He stepped right in for us last year and did a solid job. I’ve been pleased with his improvement.”

A look at Alhambra

Eric Bergstrom is in his sixth year as coach at Alhambra and he hopes this season will produce the program’s first winning record in his tenure.

The Moors will showcase one of the top junior receivers in the area in Vito Russell. The junior accounted for 237 receiving yards in 2017. Senior Anthony Herrera will be one of the team’s main contributors on defense.